Accused killer in Goforth slaying returns from mental...

1of 2Shannon Miles appears in the 208th State District Court for his arraignment at the Harris County Criminal Courthouse, Monday, Aug. 31, 2015, in Houston. Harris County District Attorney Devon Anderson said Miles, 30, fatally shot Deputy Darren Goforth after he refueled his police cruiser at a gas station. "They found Deputy Darren Goforth face down in a pool of his own blood," Harris County District Attorney Devon Anderson told state District Judge Denise Collins.Photo: Cody Duty, Houston Chronicle

2of 2Shannon Jaruay Miles in Harris County Criminal Court, Aug. 31, 2015, for arraignment on charges related to the death of Harris County Sheriff's deputy Darren Goforth. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle)

The man accused of killing Harris County sheriff's deputy Darren Goforth has been found competent to stand trial by psychologists at the state mental health hospital where he has been held.

A state district judge signed an order Wednesday to bring Shannon Miles, 31, back to Houston where he could be cleared to go to trial in the August 2015 slaying of Goforth.

"We're waiting to meet with our client on his return," said Miles' defense attorney Anthony Osso. "This is not a court finding. This is the hospital advising the court that they feel they have restored his competence."

Ossa said Miles is likely to appear in court for a status hearing next week.

Miles was arrested shortly after the veteran lawman was gunned down in uniform at a gas station in northwest Harris County.

Miles is accused of ambushing Goforth, then standing over him and unloading his pistol.

He is charged with capital murder, though Harris County District Attorney Devon Anderson has not yet said whether her office will seek the death penalty.

Osso has said his client has a history of mental health problems, including schizophrenia and episodes of psychotic behavior.

Earlier this year, Miles was found to be incompetent to stand trial and sent to the North Texas State Hospital in Vernon for treatment.

State District Judge Susan Brown committed him for 120 days so mental health professionals could medicate him and work with him to restore competency.

To stand trial, Miles must be found to be competent to aid in his own defense.

Mental competency is a different legal issue than insanity, which requires a determination that the person did not understand the difference between right and wrong at the time of the crime.